A gun allegedly pointed at another person outside Georgian Mall in Barrie has led to an arrest and another firearm being taken off the streets, according to city police.
On Thursday evening, Barrie police responded to a weapons call just outside The Bay in Georgian Mall on Bayfield Street.
Police say they were provided with a "very detailed" description of a male suspect who had just pointed a revolver-style handgun at a rideshare provider. Officers were able to locate the man "within minutes of receiving the call."
At 7:57 p.m., a 40-year-old man was taken into custody without incident and police say they retrieved the firearm.
Police have determined that this isolated incident focused on the return of some property that was allegedly found in the rideshare car and an attempt by the driver to return it to the rightful owner.
"Unfortunately, the good intentions of the driver were met with an accusation of theft and concluded when the accused removed a large handgun from a bag and pointed it in a threatening manner at the driver," police stated in a news release Friday morning.
Police say the firearm was a paintball-style revolver that had been modified to carry ammunition capable of causing serious injury or death.
As a result, the man has been charged with assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The accused remains in custody and is being held for a bail hearing, which is expected to take place this afternoon, by video, in a Barrie courtroom.
